A spotter's guide to countryside mysteries : from piddocks and lynchets to witch's broom

BEST NATURE BOOKS OF 2021 - COUNTRYFILE 'Highly readable ... Apart from his ready knowledge of nature, [John Wright] has a sharp eye, a ready wit and a keen nose for a good story. Superb.' Countryfile Magazine From the bestselling author of THE FORAGER'S CALENDAR - a beautifully illustrated, practical and entertaining guide that illuminates and explains those mysterious details of the countryside you've always wondered about. Discover the mysteries of the countryside in all their pleasure, intrigue and beauty... Ever wondered about the masses of twigs in bare-branched trees that look like abandoned nests? Seen fuzzy red balls on roses? A stranded pond on a hilltop? Or even considered the shaded ways we walk along? One of Britain's best-known naturalists, John Wright here introduces us to the natural (and unnatural) mysteries of the countryside, giving us the tools to identify Witch's Broom, Robin's Pincushion, Dew ponds and Hollow Ways, and also their histories, how they come to be, and where to find them. From the enormous to the truly tiny he illuminates the oddities that pepper our countryside and the pleasure of spotting and understanding them. Beautifully illustrated, practical and entertaining, this is for anyone who has wondered what is that? or simply longs to get outside. Discover the answers behind the mysteries of the countryside in all their fascination and beauty... Ever wondered about the masses of twigs in bare-branched trees that look like abandoned nests? Seen fuzzy red balls on roses? A stranded pond on a hilltop? Or even considered the shaded ways we walk along? One of Britain's best-known naturalists, John Wright describes and explores fifty of the natural (and unnatural) puzzles of the countryside that might confound the ever-curious. He reveals the histories and practicalities of those that are man-made and the astounding and intricate lives of the natural wonders around us. From the enormous to the truly tiny he illuminates the oddities that pepper our countryside and reveals the many pleasures of spotting and understanding them. Informative, entertaining and beautifully illustrated, this is for anyone who has ever gone outside and wondered what is that? Have you ever looked at bare trees and wondered about the masses of twigs that look like abandoned nests? Seen fuzzy red balls on roses? A stranded pond on a hilltop? Or even considered the shaded paths we walk along? One of Britain's best-known naturalists, John Wright, describes and explores fifty of the natural (and unnatural) puzzles of the countryside that might confound the ever-curious. He reveals the histories and practicalities of those that are human-made and the astounding and intricate lives of the natural wonders around us. From the enormous to the truly tiny he illuminates the oddities that pepper our countryside and reveals the many pleasures of spotting and understanding them. Informative, entertaining, and beautifully illustrated, this is for anyone who has ever gone outside and wondered. The Natural World Is Full Of Mysteries, Whether The Masses Of Twigs That Look Like Abandoned Nests, Fuzzy Red Balls On Roses, Stranded Ponds On Hilltops, Or Even The Shaded Ways We Walk Along. One Of Britain's Best-known Naturalists, John Wright Here Introduces Us To The Natural (and Unnatural) Mysteries Of The Countryside, Giving Us The Tools To Identify Witch's Broom, Robin's Pincushion, Dew Ponds And Hollow Ways, And Also Their Histories, How They Come To Be, And Where To Find Them. From The Enormous To The Truly Tiny He Illuminates The Oddities That Pepper Our Countryside And The Pleasure Of Spotting And Understanding Them. Beautifully Illustrated, Practical And Entertaining, This Is For Anyone Who Has Wondered What Is That? Or Simply Longs To Get Outside Again. "The natural world is full of mysteries, whether the masses of twigs that look like abandoned nests, fuzzy red balls on roses, stranded ponds on hilltops, or even the shaded ways we walk along. One of Britain's best-known naturalists, John Wright here introduces us to the natural (and unnatural) mysteries of the countryside, giving us the tools to identify Witch's Broom, Robin's Pincushion, Dew ponds and Hollow Ways, and also their histories, how they come to be, and where to find them. From the enormous to the truly tiny he illuminates the oddities that pepper our countryside and the pleasure of spotting and understanding them"--Publisher's description A grown-up I-spy for the great outdoors that illuminates the details we might otherwise miss.